NEWS
April 2026
With electric vehicles (EVs) becoming increasingly common on roadways, they bring new operational challenges for fire departments and rescue teams. While many discussions about EVs center on battery fires and high-voltage hazards, there’s another critical factor that is often underestimated: vehicle weight.
EVs weigh significantly more than their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts, and that increase in mass has serious implications for vehicle extrication and stabilization. Understanding this difference and adjusting rescue techniques and equipment accordingly is imperative for firefighter safety and operational success.
One of the defining characteristics of EVs is their substantial battery packs, often weighing hundreds to thousands of pounds. This additional mass results in a 25-50% increase in overall vehicle weight, compared to similar ICE vehicles.
Stronger Together: Advancing EMS in Louisiana
Thank you to everyone who came out in support of the bills aimed at improving EMS across Louisiana! Your presence truly made a difference.
Having such a strong group in attendance, and being able to share information, perspectives, and voices with the Senate committee was incredibly impactful. Advocacy like this helps move our profession forward and ensures better care for our communities.
A special thank you to Sam L. Jenkins, Jr. for SB 109 and Gerald Boudreaux for SB 221 for their leadership and support in advancing these important efforts.
We appreciate each of you who took the time to stand behind SB 109 and SB 221. Together, we are making meaningful strides toward strengthening EMS in Louisiana.
If you weren’t able to attend this time, there will likely be more opportunities in the future. Please stay on the lookout for email updates and requests for presence at the Capitol. Your voice is important, and we hope to see you at the next opportunity!
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